Reviews the operational steps in conducting a major needs assessment study. Discusses who should be involved in the process, when the process should be conducted, how the process should be conducted, general steps, and criteria for an effective model. (CT)

Needs assessment is an integral part of designing instruction for adults. However, more work needs to be done to strengthen the definition and theory. Needs assessment will be served by carefully designed studies that analyze the extent and type of impact needs assessments have had on subsequent program development activities. (CT)

This article describes a needs assessment strategy for assessing client interest in a graduate liberal arts degree for adults. It is recommended that, in planning a new off-campus graduate degree program for adults, attention should be given to assessing needs both externally and internally. (CT)

The author demonstrates the utility of marketing concepts and techniques as a total strategy designed to overcome resistance to participation and to involve the hard-to-reach adult in continuing education. (SK)

At Loyola University of Chicago a needs assessment procedure was used to decide whether to establish a master's degree program in public administration that would serve many part-time students. It required the analysis of potential participants, the university, faculty, competing programs, and potential employers. (CT)

Gathering information is futile without implementation of programs based on the findings. Data from a single needs assessment study can provide useful information to decision makers at several levels. Studies of a general population of adults provide data for state, regional, and local continuing education practitioners. (CT)

To prepare diabetic patients and their families to assume some responsibility for their own health care, an individualized and comprehensive educational program was developed, based on data collected with a diabetes educational profile. It was found that integrating qualitative and quantitative techniques improved results. (CT)

Describes a community needs assessment process that moved community decision makers into action. The needs assessment was conducted jointly by program development staff members from the office of continuing education and public service at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and by members of a small rural community. (CT)